Recommended Posts

ive got a 03 plate mk1 ford focus st170 and recently the engine management light came on with code P1246- Alternator load input failed possible causes wiring or alternator. the battery light is staying on when i am running the car? i have changed the alternator, the battery is newly new and im not sure where to look?

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

first thing to check would be that you have 14.5 volts at the battery terminals with the engine running, also the alternator connecting clip can throw up problems.

i have had it all checked and the battery is charging. is the alternator connecting clip the one that is on the top of the alternator? a rac man told me it was called a smart charge but i have been to ford and they dont no wat im going on about, is this the same thing as your saying if so how do you fix the problem??

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

it is a voltage regulator built into the system for the alternator. The ford focus is notorious for this problem as i have been through 3 seperate alternators all with this issue. Look in the area containing your Relays(dont know if thats what you call them) Under the dash....it should be like R24 clicking at you. This means there is a load not cooperating in the system.

And most likely will lead to your alternators demise. i had it happen on the highway car started to lose power dash cut out then the car just stalled. Couldnt even roll start her.